Go for it! But realise that its not going to be easy and things take time and there are LOTS of sacrifices to make. Also make sure you learn from your mistakes - because you will make them. It is really only a mistake if you don't learn from it.

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is a publicly funded third-level education provider located in Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city and capital of Ireland’s southern Munster province.

CIT is named Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year for 2016. This is the third time that CIT has received this award. The award recognises the professionalism and dedication of all its staff and is an endorsement of the quality of its students and graduates and of CIT's education and research.

CIT has a successful track record in achieving external accreditation, recognition and awards. CIT has also been ranked in the top 10% of European higher education institutions by U-Multirank, the higher education rankings sponsored by the European Commission. CIT students and graduates are multi-award winning, including twice winning the European Student Innovator Prize.

With over 15,600 enrolments and close to 1,500 staff, CIT is one of Ireland’s largest Institutes of Technology and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes up to PhD level in the fields of Business, Science, Computing, Engineering, Fine Art & Applied Art, Media Communications, Music, Humanities, Social Studies, Education, and Maritime Studies.

CIT offers a wide variety of undergraduate courses in a range of fields of study covering engineering, science, business, humanities, nautical studies, art, design and music. CIT has an enviable record of providing students with excellent employment opportunities and a firm basis for future career development. CIT has a very well developed 'ladder' structure to enable students to progress through the different levels of qualifications. Sixty-eight different undergraduate courses are currently offered through Ireland’s CAO application system. Thirty-five of these courses are on the Honours Degree (Level 8) list. In addition, there are thirty-one courses on the Bachelor Degree Level 7 list which have routes of progression to Honours Degree courses at CIT.

Every year a growing number of graduates select CIT as the destination of choice for their postgraduate education. As a CIT Masters or PhD student, you can expect the support of staff that will guide and mentor you along your chosen career path. Whether pursuing a research or taught programme, you can expect to work on solving complex problems in cutting-edge research and innovation that is linked directly to Ireland’s smart economy in areas such as art, bioinformatics, optoelectronics, medical devices, sustainable energy, healthcare, media & communications technologies, electronics, information technology, entrepreneurship, marketing, and music. Detailed information available here. Please click here to download the current CIT Postgraduate Handbook

CIT has long been engaged in the development of international relationships for the benefit of its students and other stakeholders.CIT has developed a number of highly strategic relationships in India, China, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.

The Institute is committed to developing long-term, strategic relationships with educational institutions of high standing to ensure that its students are provided with opportunities to learn and develop in a truly international context. International institutions are attracted by CIT’s innovation ecosystem and its ability to develop graduates who are capable of making an immediate impact in industry and business.ErasmusCIT holds an Erasmus University Charter, which facilitates student exchanges and placements with a number of partner institutions and training organisations in Europe. Post first-year students can apply to spend one or two semesters at a partner institution or they may undertake an Erasmus-funded placement period at an enterprise or research facility in another European country.

CIT’s excellently prepared sports grounds and facilities played host to numerous competitions throughout the year including schools’ matches, International Cork City Sports, GOAL Mile, Munster Schools & Universities Cross Country Championships. CIT provides training facilities for a number of teams including the Cork Minor Hurlers and Footballers, Cork Ladies Footballers, and is now the training base of the Cork Senior Hurlers.

Societies @ CIT

Education means more than just academic learning. The diversity of CIT Societies means that practically every taste is catered for. During the academic year 2013/2014, there were 42 Societies in operation in CIT. Societies in CIT are some of the best Societies in Ireland frequently winning at the Board of Irish College National Societies Awards. Students who are at the heart of running CIT Societies have achieved the honour of winning both National `Society of the Year’ and `Most Improved Society’ in recent years.Societies WebsiteCheck out our societies website herefor the most up to date information on Societies in CIT or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Student Support Services @ CIT

Careers Service @ CIT

The Careers Service is a student-centred, careers education and guidance for the benefit of the individual’s personal, professional and employability skills development.

Who do we work with?The Careers Service actively engages with CIT Students, Employers and CIT Staff and Academics. The Careers Service, which is free, integrated and confidential, is committed to supporting and encouraging students to reach their academic and personal potential and offers:

Applying for jobs, including CV review & interview technique.

Information on further studies after your degree.

Changing course/college.

Subject choice.

The Careers Service also provides:

Workshops for students including CV Preparation, Interview Technique and Exam/Study Organisation Skills.

Annual Careers & Employability Fair where students can meet potential employers (Tuesday, 29th September 2015 from 11am to 2.30pm at CIT Bishopstown Campus).

On-campus employer presentations.

Career information resources to help you with Career Planning and Career Management.

The Counselling Service is a professional and confidential service which is available to all registered full time CIT students free of charge. The service aims to provide opportunities to explore personal and social issues that hinder academic performance, to promote wellness and to enhance personal growth. Our team provides a supportive and non-judgemental environment.

Student Counselling is a specialist service provided by professional counsellors who are experienced in working with students, enabling them to cope with personal difficulties and issues that hinder academic engagement and performance.

Accommodation @ CIT

CIT does not have its own campus accommodation, though there are a number of apartment complexes adjacent to the main Bishopstown campus of the Institute, designed specifically for the student market. They offer facilities such as ensuite bedrooms and internet access. The rental period for these apartments commences on 1st September. Other accommodation types, such as private houses and flats, are also available. Detailed information here or E: accommodation@cit.ie